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Spiritual circuit in Kerala

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Spiritual circuit in Kerala

What to study?

For Prelims: Key features of the scheme, various circuits covered under the scheme and their geographical locations.

For Mains: Significance of the scheme and the need for the scheme, implementational challenges.

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated a project for the development of spiritual circuit comprising three important pilgrimage centres of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Aranmula and Sabarimala in Kerala.

The Sree Padmanabaswamy Temple is one of the 108 divyadesams of Lord Vishnu.

The project is being implemented under the Swadesh Darshan scheme of the tourism ministry.

About Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

The Tourism Ministry had launched ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme with an objective to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country. These tourist circuits will be developed on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner.

Features of Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

The scheme is 100% centrally funded for the project components undertaken for public funding.

It leverages the voluntary funding available for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Central Public Sector Undertakings and corporate sector.

Funding of individual project will vary from state to state and will be finalised on the basis of detailed project reports prepared by PMC (Programme Management Consultant).

A National Steering Committee (NSC) will be constituted with Minister in charge of M/O Tourism as Chairman, to steer the mission objectives and vision of the scheme.

A Mission Directorate headed by the Member Secretary, NSC as a nodal officer will help in identification of projects in consultation with the States/ UTs governments and other stake holders.

PMC will be a national level consultant to be appointed by the Mission Directorate.